Police detain man driving vehicle possibly connected to attempted kidnapping

Police hope pursuit suspect will be connected to attempted kidnapping in Anaheim

Anaheim police detained a man driving the vehicle that matches the description of one used wanted in the attempted kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl last Thursday afternoon.

Police first attempted to pull over the vehicle at the intersection of Lambert Road and Sunflower Street in Brea, at about 2:30 p.m. 

"When they attempted to stop the vehicle the driver sped away and a high-speed pursuit ensued," said Anaheim Police Department Sgt. Steve Peña.

The chase continued for almost an hour as the suspect drove down the 57 and I-5 Freeways.

The pursuit finally came to a stop after California Highway Patrol used several spike strips to pop the suspect's tires. Police detained the suspect, Andrew Pio, 31, shortly after near the La Paz Road off-ramp.

"Our officers tackled him to the ground, took him into custody and then he had a complaint of pain and minor scratches," said Peña.

According to the Anaheim police, Pio complained about pain after being detained and was taken to the hospital to be treated.   

Authorities believe that the vehicle matches the description of the Ford F-150 wanted in the attempted kidnapping of a teenager as she was walking home from her middle school in Anaheim on March 31.

"The pick-up truck resembled enough to warrant our officer to want to stop him," said Peña.

It is unknown if Pio is the suspect wanted for the attempted kidnapping. He was only detained for the pursuit. Pio does live near the school.

"It's good he's off the street and hopefully he is the person they were looking for,"

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